The Middle Fork of Taylor Creek is one of the most accessible ways to experience a classic Zion canyon—following a steady stream through a deep, narrowing corridor of red rock, with enough variety along the way to keep it engaging the entire time. The trail gradually leads to the impressive Double Arch Alcove, a large, curved recess in the canyon wall streaked with mineral stains and shaped by water over time. I first hiked this trail in early spring with snow still covering parts of the canyon, which made the crossings and footing a little more challenging—but also gave it a completely different feel.

The hike begins along a well-maintained path that follows the creek upstream, crossing it multiple times as it winds through a wide, tree-filled canyon. Early on, the setting feels open and almost gentle, with sandy banks, flowing water, and a surprising amount of vegetation. As you continue, the canyon begins to narrow and steepen, with taller walls and more enclosed sections gradually taking over.

One of the more unique aspects of this hike is the presence of two historic log cabins tucked into the canyon. Built in the early 1900s, they offer a quiet glimpse into the area’s past and make for worthwhile stops along the way. They also naturally break up the hike, giving it a sense of progression beyond just following the creek.

Eventually, the trail reaches Double Arch Alcove—the main destination for most hikers. The scale here is what makes it memorable: a wide, shadowed space carved into the rock, with streaked sandstone and a curved ceiling that reflects the long process of water shaping the canyon.

After the Alcove, the official trail ends—but the canyon doesn’t.

A use path continues beyond, dropping back into the creek and leading into a quieter, less traveled section of the canyon. The walls begin to close in further, the terrain becomes rockier, and the sense of solitude increases quickly. Not far beyond, the route becomes more difficult, eventually leading to a small waterfall and obstacles that typically mark a natural turnaround point.

Most people stop at the alcove, which means if you continue just a little farther, you’ll often find yourself completely alone.

Don’t miss…

Take the short detour to both historic cabins—they’re easy to overlook, but they add a completely different layer to the hike. And if you have the energy, continue past Double Arch Alcove just a bit—the shift in solitude happens almost immediately.